Question

Burns are generally classified by depth into superficial, partial thickness, and full-thickness burns. The severity of a burn is also described as a percentage of body surface area. Provide a detailed description of each of the different types of burns and the nursing assessment of each. Describe the “rule of nines” when discussing burns.

Answer 1

burns isthe injury caused to skin or any tissue caused by electricity, chemicals

Burns classification

1.Based on depth into SUPERFICIAL, DEEP

2.Based on degree of burns into: First degree, second degree (partial thickness) two types is superficial and deep, third degree,(full thickness), fourth degree

Degree of burns	involvement of skin	characters	Treatment	Resolution	Nursing assessment
First degree	Epidermis only	Erythema	-cold creams -silver sulphadizine ointment for local application	-resolves within 48 to 72 hrs -heals uneventfully - no scarring	-reassurance -inspect the site for any signs of infection
Second degree(partial thickness) two types: superficial and deep	it involves epidermis and some dermis --Superficial second degree(epidermis and superficial dermis) --deep second degree( epidermis and deep dermal involvement)	-Blister for superficial,very painful -deep burns are reddish in appearance, decreased sensation	- oral antibiotics and analgesics - dressings if needed - sometimes requires skin grafting for hypertrophic scar	Superficial burns heal with minimal scarring within two weeks -deep burns take 25-35 days for healing,and heals with hypertrophic scar	- watch for signs of infection - dress regularly the deep burns
third degree (full thickness)	-full thickness burns along with involvement of subcutaneous fat	-white waxy appearance -lack of sensation leathery texture -lack capillary refill	-iv antibiotics -skin grafting	-no chance of reepithelization	-regular administration of medicines - dressing
Fourth degree	-involvement of deeper structures like muscle, tendon, skeleton	--tendons with loss of blood supply	-debridement -multiple surgeries	-	- any signs of dehydration(tachycardia) -electrolyte imbalance, arrythmia

rule of nines:

it is to estimate the degree of burns

each upperlimb---->9% of TBSA(Total Body Surface Area)    both upperlimb constitute :18%

each lowerlimb --> 18% of TBSA(9% for anterior and 9% posterior)both lowerlimb :36%

head and neck-->9% of TBSA

Front and back of trunk-->18% each total it constitutes:36%

genitalia -->1%

it helps in the quick assessment of burn injuries